Metal sheds are a useful outbuilding for a family that works in their yard and needs storage space for the tools used. Most modern metal sheds come equipped with vents in the roof to prevent trapped air and condensation, but a homemade metal shed will not. It is important to create an opening for air pressure and condensation to escape before the metal rusts. Add a window to the shed that opens and shuts high enough to prevent intruders and also to air out the shed once in a while.
Condensation in a metal shed causes rust and rot. Caulking the window that you have installed is essential. To prevent the window though light as it is from bending the metal wall, install the window along a support beam or add a horizontal beam to the shed frame.
Materials
- Aluminum window frame
- Yard stick
- Permanent marker
- Cordless drill
- Carbide-tip bit
- Metal snips
- Polyurethane caulk
- Circular saw
- Metal cutting blade
Thin-Material Metal Shed
- Measure the metal window chosen for the wall of the metal shed for length and width.
- Mark the outline for the window on the interior metal shed wall, next to a support beam, using a yard stick and a permanent marker. Make the height of the bottom of the window at least 2/3 of the height of the wall.
- Drill a start hole in one corner of the permanent marker guideline using a cordless drill with a carbide tip.
- Insert the tip of a pair of metal snips into the hole created. Cut out the outlined window.
- Apply polyurethane caulk around the exterior edge of the window opening. Insert an aluminum window frame, from the outside, into the opening. Caulk the interior of the window around the edge where the wall meets the window.
- Insert the screws included in the window kit, or 1/2-inch screws, into each hole on the aluminum window frame. Start with the four corner holes. Tighten the screws until the frame does not wiggle.
Thick-Material Metal Shed
- Measure the window height and width using the tape measure.
- Draw the window outline on the interior of the wall, next to a support beam, using a permanent marker, yard stick and the measurements taken.
- Cut the window opening using a circular saw with a metal cutting blade. Follow the permanent marker lines to the exact lengths of each.
- Apply polyurethane caulk to the exterior edge of the window opening. Insert the aluminum window frame into the opening from the outside. Caulk the interior around the seam where the window meets the wall.
- Insert the screws included in the aluminum window kit, or use 1/2-inch screws, starting with the four corner holes and then each additional hole. Tighten the screws until the frame does not wiggle.
Tips
- Use a rotary tool to cut a thin metal shed wall if snips are difficult to use.
- For added window support, build an attractive wooden frame around the exterior of the window.
Warnings
- Wear protective eye gear when cutting metal to avoid blinding by flying shavings.
References
Carports, Tents and Sheds: Metal Sheds -- Buying and Maintenance Tips
Metal Storage Sheds: Building Your Prefab Metal Shed Kit
StreetDirectory.com: Building Your Prefab Metal Storage Shed
Sterling Property Service: Painting and Staining
A. L. Fetherlin - Author of "Brynn, the Exorcist" and former day care teacher who uses her home as an experiment in woodworking and building projects.
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